Despite his decision to no longer race, Stefan Bradl is still an important part of MotoGP development at Honda. The German sees the signing of Romano Albesiano as an important step.
Stefan Bradl finished 2024 with very different feelings. The only German MotoGP ace was happy about the clear move from a dual role as a substitute and wildcard driver for his long-time employer Honda. Despite the understandable sadness at the emotional final MotoGP race of his career – in the end, Bradl was relieved about the new phase of his life being clearly defined.
Meanwhile, things continue to shake up inside the 35-year-old. Because Bradl, like the rest of the Honda crew, is not happy with the RC213V’s competition. Therefore, his dedication as a test driver is needed more than ever to get the most positive results in the alliance with the additional forces of Aleix Espargaro and Taka Nakagami. But that only works if the hardware comes from Honda’s development department.
In recent years, this has been the case to a lesser extent, as Bradl reaffirms. However, the test specialist spoke optimistically to “Motosan.es” about the new development manager Romano Albesiano: “My work was not very successful because I did not have many things to work on. Now everyone is very excited to see what the new technical director He can bring. It is the first time that Honda has given this role to a European. I see this as a clear message that they want to move forward.
Stefan Bradl, who was on the track for the first time with MotoGP Honda (for LCR) in 2012 and who has been supporting the factory directly as a driver since 2018, adds: “The motivation within the company is very high, but we. need them. more direct communication. It’s also important to stay calm and work as hard as possible. I think this way we can come back stronger.”
In order to make the most of his experience, the decision maker will support Albesiano in Europe. Yamaha has already shown that moving parts to Europe is speeding up development. Even at Yamaha, the balance of power doesn’t change overnight. What is not in dispute, however, is that Massimo Bartolini is already getting Yamaha’s new strategy.
If you put the cases of the Japanese MotoGP factories on top of each other, then the HRC is still almost a year away. Stefan Bradl still does not lack motivation to reduce the gap. Energy ice method and deadline. A new set of MotoGP rules will come into force from the 2027 season. With only 850 cc, all manufacturers are brought back to the same starting line.
